Former French President Jacques Chirac has died at the age of 86, his brother-in-law Frederic Sala-Barro told AFP.
"President Jacques Chirac died this morning among his family in peace," said Sala-Barro, Chirac's husband.
Chirac was elected to the presidency of the French Republic in 1995, renewed in 2002, and his term ended on 17 May 2007.
During his reign, the country adopted the single European currency and abolished compulsory military service.
Chirac cut the term from seven to five years.
The conservative president is known around the world for his staunch opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
On February 14, 2003, France announced its opposition to the war in Iraq through a resounding speech by the then French Foreign Minister, Dominique de Villepin.
Chirac served as mayor of Paris for 18 years from 1977 to 1995.
Chirac served twice as Prime Minister of France from 27 May 1974 to 26 August 1976. The second term from 20 March 1986 to 10 May 1988. Chirac is one of the most popular politicians in modern French history.
Chirac has disappeared from public life in recent years and is reported to have been in severe health conditions.